Connecticut State Capitol

Water Fountain

Capitol architect, Richard Mitchell Upjohn, designed two water fountains for the interior of the building.

Constitutional Convention of 1965 plaque

Connecticut held a constitutional convention to adopt a new state constitution in 1965. One of the articles addressed the issue of representation in the state legislature. Representation would be based on population as opposed to two members representing each town in the Hall of Representatives. The State Constitution allows for up to 225 members in the House of Representatives and 50 in the Senate. Currently there are 151 Representatives and 36 Senators.

Prudence Crandall

in 1995, at the request of fourth grade students, Connecticut named Prudence Crandall the State Heroine. The bronze statue of Crandall and her student Sarah Harris was installed in the Capitol on September 30, 2008.

Capitol Information and Tours

[Capitol Information and Tours](https://wp.cga.ct.gov/CapitolTours/) operated by the [League of Women Voters of Connecticut](https://my.lwv.org/connecticut) provides guided tours of the State Capitol and Legislative Office Building.

Model of the "Flagship Hartford" -- Fun Facts

Notice the smokestack rising from the deck, it was retractable. The propeller also was retractable. The Hartford's figurehead is displayed around the corner from the model. Note that the eagle at the rear of the ship has its head turned towards the arrows and away from the olive branch.

The Cannonball Tree

Wall Stenciling

This unique pattern is only found in the South lobby of the Capitol. What does the center image look like to you?

Columbus Urn

This silver plated, twenty gallon watercooler was made by the Simpson, Hall, and Miller Company of Wallingford, Connecticut.

Elevators -- Fun Fact

There were steam powered elevators when the Capitol opened in 1878. A steam boiler plant located on Capitol Avenue provided the steam for the building.

Connecticut State Seal

Secretary of the State's Office

[Secretary of the State](https://portal.ct.gov/sots) Denise Merrill

John Fitch Plaque -- Fun Fact

Karl Gerhardt, the sculptor of the John Fitch plaque also created the Nathan Hale statue that stands in the Capitol's East lobby.

Wall Stenciling

This unique pattern is only found in the South lobby. What does the center design look like to you?

CT Senate Chamber Gallery West

Fun Facts

Click on purple tags for Fun Facts about items in the Connecticut State Capitol.

The Marquis de Lafayette's Camp Bed - Fun Fact

Fun Fact: A statue of Lafayette on horseback stands on the corner of Washington Street and Capitol Avenue across from the State Capitol. The sculptor was Paul Wayland Bartlett.

To the Connecticut Legislative Office Building

Figurehead of the U.S.S Connecticut

The figurehead is from the "U.S.S. Connecticut", a ship that was part of President Theodore Roosevelt's "Great White Fleet". In the early 1900s this group of ships sailed around the world on peaceful missions. This "Connecticut" was the fourth of five ships to take our state's name. The vessel was decommissioned in 1923.

Wagon Wheel -- 1st Light Battery, Connecticut Volunteers

Welcome to the Connecticut State Capitol!

Welcome to the Connecticut State Capitol! The Capitol, completed in 1878, stands in the picturesque setting of Bushnell Park. Designed by Richard M. Upjohn, a cathedral architect, this High Victorian Gothic style state house was designated a Registered National Historic Landmark in 1971 and underwent a complete restoration between 1979 and 1989.

Replica of the Liberty Bell

This full size replica of the LIBERTY BELL stands in the south lobby of the Capitol. In 1950 each state received a bell as part of the Liberty Bond Drive. President Truman believed if all states heard and saw the Liberty Bell they would buy savings bonds to help the country with the National Debt. This is a copy of the original Liberty Bell that is in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The bells are numbered; Connecticut's is 26.

Fun Fact - Benches

This is one of four benches designed by the Capitol architect Richard Mitchell Upjohn.

Justice Mural

231 Capitol Avenue

The State Library, Museum of Connecticut History, and the Supreme Court are located across the street at 231 Capitol Avenue.

CT Senate Chamber

Figurehead from the "Flagship Hartford"

Displayed in the north lobby is a model of the FLAGSHIP HARTFORD, carved by a sailor who lost his arm serving on the ship in the Battle of Mobile Bay during the Civil War. It was during this battle that the ship's commander, Admiral David Farragut gave the famous order "Damn the torpedoes, full speed ahead." The figurehead from the prow of the Hartford stands around the corner diagonally across from the Genius of Connecticut. Over the years the "Hartford" suffered from neglect and decay. In 1957 ship wreckers who were unaware of its significance burned the ship. The ship's anchor is on the campus of the University of Hartford, the bell is at the Connecticut Historical Society, and two cannons are at Trinity College. Bronze from the ship's propeller was used in the casting of a statue of Admiral Farragut that stands in Washington, D.C.

United States Seal

Stenciling

For an oral history of the Capitol stenciling restoration: [John Canning presentation on the Capitol stenciling restoration.](https://cga.ct.gov/cprc/audio/John%20Canning%209.26.16%20Oral%20History.mp3) Presentation [CT State Capitol Preservation & Restoration Commission Lecture: The Connecticut State Capitol Restoration Project 1979-1989](https://ct-n.com/ctnplayer.asp?odID=8480)

Senate Clerks Office

The Senate Clerks Office. [Senate Clerks Office](https://cga.ct.gov/sco/)

Model of the "Flagship Hartford"

"The United States Steam Sloop Hartford" was a Civil War vessel commanded by Admiral David Glasgow Farragut. During the Battle of Mobile Bay (Alabama, 1864) the Admiral issued his famous cry "Damn the torpedoes (full speed ahead)". The "Hartford" marked a transition from sail to steam power; the smokestack and propeller are visible on the model. The ship measured 264 feet long and carried twenty-six cannons. It was a wooden ship with a copper fastened hull. The "Hartford" was nicknamed the "Black Devil" by Confederate gunners. In its first three major engagements, the vessel took over 240 hits, mostly from ironclads. William Graham, a Civil War veteran who lost one arm during the war carved the model. Graham spent two and half years on the detailed piece. At the front of the model is a gold colored object that looks like a snail shell or knot. This is the figurehead.

Old Judiciary Room

The Connecticut State Senate originally met on the second floor. When the Senate relocated to the third floor, the space that was the Senate Gallery was converted into a large room that is now used for meetings and press conferences. The Judiciary Committee used the space prior to the Capitol restoration.Click 360 to View.

Stenciling Restoration Presentation

For an oral history of the Capitol stenciling restoration: [John Canning presentation on the Capitol stenciling restoration](https://cga.ct.gov/cprc/audio/John%20Canning%209.26.16%20Oral%20History.mp3). Presentation [CT State Capitol Preservation & Restoration Commission Lecture: The Connecticut State Capitol Restoration Project 1979-1989](https://ct-n.com/ctnplayer.asp?odID=8480)

Governor William Buckingham

The statue on display is of Connecticut's Civil War Governor, William A. Buckingham. A well-to-do and popular Norwich businessman, Buckingham raised much of the funds the Connecticut troops used to purchase their uniforms and supplies. As a result, Connecticut's men were among the first fully prepared for the war. Buckingham was later elected to the United States Senate. Some people say that his ghost roams the Capitol halls at night. Others believe it is good luck (or makes wishes come true) to rub his shoes.

CT Senate Chamber Gallery East

The Auditors of Public Accounts

[Connecticut Auditors of Public Accounts](https://wp.cga.ct.gov/apa/)

Navigating the tour

If you are using a computer, use your mouse or touchpad and click on the white circles you see on the ground. Use you mouse scroll wheel to zoom in or out. You can also move by using your arrow keys on your keyboard. If you are using a smartphone or tablet, just use your finger.

Genius Of Connecticut -- Replica

In December of 2009, a new bronze version of the statue known as the Genius of Connecticut was installed in the Capitol rotunda. The original statue once topped the Capitol dome. It was removed from the building following the Hurricane of 1938. The restored plaster model of the Genius Of Connecticut stands in the North lobby of the Capitol. The original bronze statue, which once crowned the Capitol dome was cast from the model. Sculpted by Randolph Rogers in 1877, she is the symbolic protector of Connecticut.

Lieutenant Governor's Office

The Lieutenant Governor serves as the President of the Connecticut State Senate. [Lieutenant Governor](https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Lt-Governor) Susan Bysiewicz

Hall of Flags

Battle flags of Connecticut regiments from the Civil War through the War on Terrorism hang in the beautiful oak cases built specifically for the building in 1878. In the corner stands a HOTCHKISS REVOLVING CANNON that was designed by Connecticut engineer Benjamin B. Hotchkiss. Unable to sell his design to the United States government, he opened his own plant near Paris, France. The gun was sold to the Spanish government and used against the United States forces during the Spanish-American War. In the center of the hall sits the statue of WILLIAM BUCKINGHAM, the state's governor during the Civil War. Also of interest are artifacts from two heroes of the American Revolution: the MARQUIS DE LAFAYETTE'S CAMP BED and ISRAEL PUTNAM'S GRAVESTONE. The GUN WHEEL in the Hall of Flags is from a gun carriage used by the First Connecticut Volunteer Light Battery during the Civil War. The writing around the edge of the wheel indicates the

Information

Click on teal tags for information on items in the Connecticut State Capitol.

CT House of Representatives - Gallery

The statue of Nathan Hale

The statue of Nathan Hale honors Connecticut's State Hero. Born in Coventry, Hale became a spy for General George Washington during the Revolutionary War. Captured and hanged by British soldiers in Manhattan, the brave and eloquent twenty-one year old's famous last words, "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country," are inscribed on the statue's granite base.

Model of the "Flagship Hartford"

Admiral David Farragut commanded the "Flagship Hartford" during the Civil War. It was aboard this ship during the Battle of Mobile Bay that he gave the command, "Damn the torpedos, full speed ahead!" The model was built by a Civil War veteran who lost an arm during his service. He spent over three years building this detailed piece. Notice the smokestack rising from the deck, it was retractable. The propeller also was retractable. The Hartford's figurehead is displayed around the corner from the model.

Liberty Bell -- Fun Fact

The bell consists of approximately 70% copper, 25% tin, 2% lead, 1% zinc, .25% arsenic, and .20% silver. It rings in E-flat.

Mural of Liberty

Prudence Crandall Statue -- Fun Fact

Fourth grade students helped fund the statue of Prudence Crandall by holding a "Pennies for Prudence" campaign. They raised nearly $3,000!

Connecticut State Capitol Police - Room 100

[Connecticut State Capitol Police](https://www.cga.ct.gov/cop/) [History](https://www.cga.ct.gov/cop/abt-history.asp)

Old Appropriations Room

When the Capitol opened in 1878, this was the location of the Connecticut Supreme Court. The Court relocated to 231 Capitol Avenue in 1910. [Connecticut Supreme Court history.](https://www.jud.ct.gov//external/supapp/overview/suphist.html)

CT House of Representatives - Floor

The 16th Volunteer Infantry Flag

The 16th Volunteer Infantry Flag is displayed in the flag case to the right of the automatic door. This battle flag has an interesting history, which serves to illustrate the unity and loyalty felt amongst soldiers. This Civil War regiment took part in the Battle of Plymouth that was fought in North Carolina. During the battle, the regiment's officers realized that the group would be captured. Since surrendering a battle flag is the ultimate sign of defeat, the soldiers promised each other they would never do so. Instead of giving up the flag, the men torn it into small pieces, distributed many of the fragments amongst themselves, and burned the rest. Most of the men were imprisoned in the Andersonville prison camp (Georgia), one of the worst prisons of the war. The surviving veterans returned to Hartford with their pieces of flag. The pieces were collected and the Tiffany Company of New York was commissioned to create a new flag to be used in the Battle Flag Day parade of 187

U.S.S. Connecticut -- Fun Fact

FUN FACT: There are 13 stars and stripes on the shield, 13 stars and clouds above the eagle's head, 13 tail feathers, and 13 arrows. Add up the olives and leaves on the branch and you'll get 13 as well.

The Marquis de Lafayette's Campbed

Marie-Joseph Paul Yves Roch Gilbert du Motier, Marquis de La Fayette (6 September 1757 – 20 May 1834), known in the United States as Lafayette. The Marquis de Lafayette was from France. He assisted the Americans in training troops and planning strategy during the Revolutionary War (1775-1783) and met with General George Washington several times in Connecticut. He was only nineteen years old when he aided the colonies. In 1784, Connecticut granted Lafayette and his family citizenship. He was named an honorary U.S. citizen in 2002.

Governor's Office

Governor Ned Lamont. [Governor Ned Lamont](https://portal.ct.gov/Office-of-the-Governor)

Speaker of the House's Office

[Speaker of the House](https://www.housedems.ct.gov/Ritter) Matt Ritter

Model of the Genius of Connecticut

The restored plaster model of the Genius Of Connecticut stands majestically on her small gold dome. The original bronze statue, which once crowned the Capitol dome was cast from this model. Sculpted by Randolph Rogers in 1877, she is the symbolic protector of Connecticut. In December of 2009, a new bronze version of the statue was installed in the Capitol rotunda.

The Dome Controversy

Perhaps the greatest controversy surrounding the Capitol concerns the dome construction. On July 31, 1875, Upjohn was told to simplify the dome plans in order to reduce construction costs. General Franklin, the contractor and James Brown, the superintendent offered a plan that substituted brick piers faced with granite for the solid granite of Upjohn's design. Instead of using cement to mortar the bricks a lime-based mortar was used. As the mortar dried it shrank, the bricks settled, and the granite shells were forced to bear the dome's weight. The stress was too great and cracks developed. On January 19, 1878, the building engineer reported that the dome was improperly constructed. Upjohn was consulted and recommended filling the cavities with molten printer's lead (typesetter's metal). In the fall of that year, the molten metal was poured and the work continued until April 5, 1879. The lead hardened and provided the support the building needed. The cracking stopped and no n

The Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon

The Hotchkiss Revolving Cannon is a souvenir of the Spanish-American War. It was made in Connecticut, sold to the Spanish government, and later used by Spanish forces during the war. It was retrieved from the Spanish ship "Viscaya" (pronounced Vis-ki'-a) following the Battle of Santiago Bay, Cuba. The cannon was restored by the Colt Manufacturing Company and placed on a Gatling gun base (very similar to the Hotchkiss).